California, 2017Wildfire and High Wind in California, October 8 to 31, 2017
October 8 to 31, 2017 · NWS MTR · 8 events in 3 counties and zones
A strong ridge of high pressure building into the Great Basin lead to gusty northerly to northeasterly winds across a portion of our CWA. Existing low relative humidity values and dry fuels were also observed.
Every event with a place to put it; 2 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
- Tornadoes
- Tropical storms and surge
- Floods
- Wind
- Hail
- Winter weather
- Heat and drought
- Cold
- Fire, smoke and dust
- Marine and coastal
- Other
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- Deaths
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Property damage
- None recorded
- Crop damage
- None recorded
- Events
- 8
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
A strong ridge of high pressure building into the Great Basin lead to gusty northerly to northeasterly winds across a portion of our CWA. Existing low relative humidity values and dry fuels were also observed. As a result, the several fires that developed grew and spread rapidly to become one of the deadliest wildfire outbreaks in state history. Many of the individual fires merged into what became known as the Central LNU Complex and Southern LNU Complex Fires. When all was done over 100,000 acres of land was destroyed, thousands of structures and homes were lost, and 44 people died across Northern California. In addition to the loss of human life, countless pets and livestock were lost in the fires.
Event by event
4 wildfire, 3 high wind, 1 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Wildfire, North Bay Interior Valleys
- When
- October 8, 8:45 PM PST to October 30, 7:00 PM PST
- Where
- North Bay Interior Valleys forecast zone
- Reported by
- Fire Department/Rescue
- Coordinates
- 38.362, -122.667 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
The Tubbs Fire began the night of October 8th and was officially contained on the 30th to the north east of Santa Rosa. Cause of the fire is unknown. A total of 36,807 acres were burned, 5,300 structures were destroyed, and there were 23 fatalities, all of which were in Sonoma County|http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-fires-20171018-story.html|http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/7702145-181/sonoma-county-fire-victim-total?utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Trending+Content&utm_content=5a1f154704d301157a6fde91&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter&artslide=0.
Wildfire, North Bay Mountains
- When
- October 8, 8:52 PM PST to October 27, 5:00 PM PST
- Where
- North Bay Mountains forecast zone
- Reported by
- Fire Department/Rescue
The Atlas Fire (Southern LNU Complex) started the night of October 8th and was officially contained on the 27th. A total of 51,624 acres were burned, 481 structures destroyed, and there were 6 fatalities in Napa County|http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-fires-20171018-story.html.
Wildfire, North Bay Mountains
- When
- October 8, 9:00 PM PST to October 30, 7:00 PM PST
- Where
- North Bay Mountains forecast zone
- Reported by
- Fire Department/Rescue
The Nuns Fire began the night of the 8th and was officially contained on the 30th. A total of 56,556 acres were burned, 1200 structures were destroyed, and there were 2 fatalities, one in Sonoma County and one in Napa County|http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-fires-20171018-story.html.
High Wind, East Bay Hills and the Diablo Range
- When
- October 8, 9:15 PM PST to 9:20 PM PST
- Where
- East Bay Hills and the Diablo Range forecast zone
- Measured
- 65 kt (75 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
Wind gust of 75 mph measured on Mt. Diablo.
Strong Wind, North Bay Interior Valleys
- When
- October 8, 10:38 PM PST to 10:40 PM PST
- Where
- North Bay Interior Valleys forecast zone
- Measured
- 40 kt (46 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 38.362, -122.667 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Wind gust of 46 mph measured at Napa County Airport.
High Wind, North Bay Mountains
- When
- October 8, 10:56 PM PST to 11:00 PM PST
- Where
- North Bay Mountains forecast zone
- Measured
- 69 kt (79 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- RAWS
Measured wind gust of 79 mph at Hawkeye Raws in Sonoma County.
Wildfire, North Bay Mountains
- When
- October 9, 2:30 AM PST to October 31, 2:00 PM PST
- Where
- North Bay Mountains forecast zone
- Reported by
- Fire Department/Rescue
The Pocket Fire began early on the 9th and was officially contained on the 31st. A total of 17,357 acres were burned and 540 structures were destroyed. There were no fatalities associated with this fire.
High Wind, North Bay Mountains
- When
- October 9, 4:29 AM PST to 4:34 AM PST
- Where
- North Bay Mountains forecast zone
- Measured
- 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- RAWS
Measured wind gust of 68 mph at Santa Rosa Raws.
- Wildfire
- A fire burning in wildland vegetation, with its acreage and damage where known.
- High Wind
- Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
- Strong Wind
- Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
- Wildfire in California, October 8 to 28, 20178 deaths · 1 injured · $38 million · 1 event
- Wildfire in California, October 8 to 31, 20174 deaths · 1 injured · 3 events
- Tornadoes in South Carolina, October 8, 2017$650,000 · EF2 · 7 events
- Winter Weather in Wyoming, October 8, 20171 death · 1 event
- Tornadoes and Damaging Wind in North Carolina, October 8, 2017$681,000 · EF1 · 7 events
- Tornadoes in North Carolina, October 8, 2017$110,000 · EF1 · 2 events
- Flash Flooding and Heavy Rain in Puerto Rico, October 8 to 9, 2017$120,000 · 6 events
- Strong Wind in Georgia, October 8, 20171 injured · $37,000 · 6 events
- Tropical Storm and Flash Flooding in Alabama, October 8, 2017$35,000 · 7 events
- Tornado in South Carolina, October 8, 2017EF1 · 1 event
- Winter Storm in Wyoming, October 8 to 9, 201721 events
- Winter Weather in Colorado, October 8 to 9, 20176 events
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 722087, 722090, 722092, 722102, 722103, 722104, 722093, 722105.